Drummer Kai Hahto to sit out of EYE OF MELIAN album release show
Sander Zoer & Ivar de Graaf step in
18-02-2026
EYE OF MELIAN – the Tolkien-inspired symphonic project founded by Martijn Westerholt (DELAIN) and Finnish vocalist Johanna Kurkela (AURI) will release their new album “Forest Of Forgetting”, on February 20, 2026 via Napalm Records. In celebration, the band plays a release show in Hedon, Zwolle, The Netherlands on that evening. Previously announced live drummer Kai Hahto (NIGHTWISH) now informs the world that he is not able to participate on the show. He will be replaced by Sander Zoer (DELAIN) and Ivar de Graaf (KINGFISHER SKY).
Says EYE OF MELIAN:
We’re sad to announce that our friend and guest drummer @kaihahto won’t be able to perform with us at the album release show on Feb 20th due to illness. ❤️🩹 We’re sending him all our love and wishing him a swift recovery. (He will still join us for our upcoming shows during our tour in Finland next month).
While the mists may have shifted, the music will still play on! 🎶 Despite his absence, the show in Zwolle is going ahead with full magic and energy. ✨ We are incredibly grateful to our dear friends Sander Zoer and Ivar de Graaf for stepping in on percussion on short notice — this means the world to us. 🙏💚
Please join us in wishing Kai a speedy recovery in the comments below! 🌿✨
#kaihahto #percussion #albumrelease #forestofforgetting #eyeofmelian
EYE OF MELIAN recently the third single, the Bruce Dickinson cover “Tears Of The Dragon”, off their upcoming album “Forest Of Forgetting”, out on February 20, 2026 via Napalm Records.
Watch “Tears Of The Dragon” below.
Mikko P. Mustonen about “Tears of the Dragon”:
“I grew up listening to this song, but it wasn’t until I got older that I truly felt the weight of its lyrics. I’ve always loved the fantasy reference – even something as powerful as a dragon must eventually yield and let its emotions break free.”
Watch the previously released “Symphonia Arcana and “Blackthorn Winter” below.
Martijn Westerholt about Forest of Forgetting:
“This album has been a really inspiring process – both for me as a songwriter and in what each of us brought to it. It has a lot of what EYE OF MELIAN is known for: cinematic, score-like arrangements, minor chords, and those epic, mysterious atmospheres. The lyrics tie everything together; they bring out the worlds and stories that the music hints at and make the whole thing feel complete. The collaboration between us on this record felt very natural. We’ve really found our way of working as a team, and I’m proud of what we created together.”
Forest of Forgetting tracklisting:
- Of Willows and Shadows
- Symphonia Arcana
- Child of Twilight
- Elixir of Night (feat. Patty Gurdy and Troy Donockley)
- Blackthorn Winter
- Lady of Light
- Dawn of Avatars (feat. Patty Gurdy and Troy Donockley)
- Forest of Forgetting
- The Buried Well
- The Mirror
- Nepenthe
- Tears of the Dragon (Bruce Dickinson Cover)
Forest of Forgetting will be available in the following formats:
2-LP Gatefold Vinyl MARBLED TRANSLUCENT REPTILE, incl. 24’’ Booklet – strictly limited to 150 copies worldwide (Napalm Mailorder exclusive)
2-LP Gatefold Vinyl MARBLED CRISTALLO GOLD – strictly limited to 150 copies worldwide (Napalm Mailorder exclusive)
2-LP Gatefold Vinyl BLACK
2-CD Digipak
Digital Album
EYE OF MELIAN Live 2026
20.02.26 NL – Zwolle / Hedon – album release show
Forest of Forgetting Over Finland
10.03.26 FI – Kitee / Kiteesali
12.03.26 FI – Espoo / Sellosali
13.03.26 FI – Kouvola / Pato-klubi
18.03.26 FI – Rovaniemi / Korundi
19.03.26 FI – Kuusamo / Kuusamo-talo
20.03.26 FI – Oulu / Kaupunginteatteri
21.03.26 FI – Raahe / Raahesali
24.03.26 FI – Helsinki / Aleksanterin Teatteri
26.03.26 FI – Turku / Turun Linnan Kuninkaansali
27.03.26 FI – Kuopio / Maxim
28.03.26 FI – Tampere / Tuulensuun Palatsi
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